ASSURANCES have been given that there will be increased opportunities for learner drivers to sit tests once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Practical and theory driving examinations have been suspended across Scotland since December, with a date yet to be set on when they will resume.
Several prospective motorists across Dumfries and Galloway have since contacted constituency MP Alister Jack expressing frustration that both of the region’s test centres in Dumfries and Stranraer remain shut.
There were also concerns raised that driving students who had passed their theory test might have to pay fees again and repeat the process if they were unable to complete the practical test before the two-year deadline.
After writing a letter to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) relaying his constituents’ qualms, Mr Jack received a response from chief executive Loveday Ryder, who told him that the restrictions remain in place because it’s “not possible to socially distance when you are in a confined space, such as a car, and in such close proximity to the instructor or examiner”.
Ms Ryder stated that the DVSA was following Scottish Government guidance in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.
She said: “The suspension of driving lessons and tests has impacted heavily on learner drivers and I fully understand the frustration this has caused.”
She added the organisation is in the process of preparing for the resumption of practical and theory tests and “increasing test capacity when it is safe to do so”.
Responding to calls for the theory test pass validity period to be extended during the pandemic, Ms Ryder said: “If candidates were exempted from having to pay for a retake, then, in turn, other fee-payers would incur these costs.
“This would be unfair for the other fee-payers who will not benefit from this arrangement.”
Commenting, Mr Jack agreed it is “quite right” for public health measures to take take precedence, but highlighted the “considerable backlog of candidates” still waiting to sit examinations.
He added: “I would welcome any further moves the DVSA can make to increase testing capacity when they are able to resume.”
